Half Marathon - Training Day ONE!!

Well, it's time. Finally time to get serious, get down to business and get my butt moving.
Back in November, my sister and I signed up for the Ottawa Marathon, May 30th, 2010 ~ both of us doing the half marathon. As the months flew by from then to now, I convinced myself the my once (maybe twice) a week run could be considered "training". It no doubt has prepared me in many ways, but I highly doubt it could be considered "training" by ANY means!
So here it is. Day One.
This means, I have 12 weeks, which amounts to 84 days, to whip this body of mine into half-marathon shape. Yikes. Seems a little scary but I know I can do it!!
If any of you have been following me over the past year, you'll know what I (and my poor body) have been through. For those of you don't follow me, the synopsis is: lost the baby, had 2 surgeries, diagnosed with GTD (pregnacy related cancer), chemo for 3 months, recovery, and have been given a "clean bill of health". (It sounds so much less tragic when surmised in this manner!!). I have so many reasons to compete in this race. Here are a few:

1. Health ~ not to be taken for granted, although I often do. I really have a strong desire to feed the body well, take it to new fitness heights and test my abilities as an athlete.
2. Motivation ~ having said what I have above, I sometimes find it VERY hard to stay motivated and I am hoping that this looming deadline of 12 weeks will keep me on top of any doubts I may have about myself.
3. Personal goal ~ who wouldn't want to compete in their first EVER race a month after they celebrate their 40th birthday??
4. Lifestyle ~ I am hoping that this way of life will become habitual and addictive. I really do want to be healthy, strong, capable and fit. For the rest of my life, not for just "right now".
5. Nutrition ~ I want to eat better (how many times have we ALL said that), and learn how to feed my body so it operates at it's optimum. As a HUGE added bonus, I'm hoping it will rub off on my hubby and son. I want us all to eat better, for all of our sakes!!
6. Mental Health ~ in my ongoing search for "me" in the Universe, I feel like this could help open doors and take me to a new spiritual level. Not only that, I know that running and overall improved health and fitness will help with so many things, like my ability to cope with stress, mental clarity, improved mood and energy levels. And the list goes on.

Now you know why this is so important to me.
So here is my first entry of many with regards to this "training" that I am embarking on. I searched the internet, magazines and books for a good, easy to follow training "calender". I found a lot of useful, complete and sometimes overwhelming programs. I found one that works for me (I am hoping it does, anyway!) and it's now on the Fridge.
Day ONE: Stretch and Strength. I like this because it incorporates two elements that I want to add to my fitness "addiction". Along with the running, I want to add some muscle tone and remain flexible. Cool!!
Okay....Here we go!